What's that in your pocket?

The FedEx guy just dropped off two 20GB Click Wheel iPods and we were all excited to get one dissected, however, the first one we unpacked was disfigured by streaks and scratches. The front face was covered by streaks which look like residue from polishing compound or something, we couldn't wipe them away. The back has several small scratches. [Couldn't get any good pictures of the blemishes...you'll have to take our word for it...-ed.] Even though we intend to open it up, voiding the warranty and all, it's just no fun to do it with a less than perfect unit (this is getting to be a trend.) That one is getting returned to the Apple Store.

On to the second unit; opened up the box, no nasty streaks on the face, things were looking up. Unfortunately, on closer inspection, we found a couple of half-inch scratches just under the Click Wheel. There was also a small (1/8-inch dia.) discolored spot in the same area. The scratches are shallow and can probably be buffed out, not so sure about the discoloration. We would have probably overlooked the blemishes on this second unit if not for the miserable condition of the first. As it stands, both are going to the Palo Alto Apple Store today, hopefully we will get at least one PERFECT Click Wheel iPod in hand today...

Update: Visited the Apple Store and got the smeared iPod replaced. They said the second one was "within spec" and wouldn't replace it, as noted above the scratches are shallow and the discolored spot small, but still...